The Daily Campus

Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Focus

Media Credit: MARIYA YUKHYMENKO Docent Ann Gross spoke yesterday to a crowd gathered at the Benton about a variety of art created by Swedish women over the years. The pieces ranged from basic painted canvas to intricate glassware.

Understated Swedish art and woven work was the topic of discussion during a talk at the Benton Museum of Art yesterday.

Ann Gross, a docent for the museum, spoke to the audience in the building's East Gallery about the historical background of the pieces, which ranged from basic painted canvas to intricate, one-of-a-kind glassware.

"Some of the patterns go back centuries, she said. "Some were made as purely ornamental, and they were just meant to be looked at."

Some pieces of interest addressed in the talk included delicate woven rugs and tapestries, including specific pieces from Swedish artist Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom, who used multiple techniques for bringing her work to fruition.

Other woven artifacts included everyday items that the Swedish women constructed.

"Women wove utilitarian items like pillow covers and bands for school outfits," Gross said. "They have very traditional motifs, like flowers and domestic animals."

Gross noted the style of the gallery works, saying how some were more "a craft, not an art," and that different artists brought their own perspectives to similar works. Speaking about a large abstract tapestry along one of the gallery's back walls, Gross described of how the piece incorporated the weaver's vision. The art was "a really personal interpretation for her of what spring was meant to be."

Another bold artist represented in the collection was Eva Bjorkstrom, whose woven self-portraits stood out among the large variety of pieces.

"These portraits represent a really modern use of weaving technique," said Gross. The three pictures were some of the last highlighted in the docent's talk.

The gallery was derived completely from the private collection of UConn's own Ann Charters. Charters' extensive compilation of pieces offered depth and realized scenes from Swedish daily life, along with great variation from one piece to the next.

With an entire spectrum of art available in the gallery, it would be difficult to choose just one or two pieces to call a favorite.

While each picture or panel offered something different, Gross admitted that she favors Maas-Fjetterstrom's elaborate and colorful rugs.

The gallery, which precedes a series of upcoming Swedish films, caught the eye of some student docents as well.

"This is more universal. I feel like you hear a lot about Swedish art but you don't see Swedish work a lot," said Kristen Danckert, a 1st-semester fine arts and German double major.

Kevin Solorzano, a 3rd-semester art history and history major, takes many different views on the artwork. "You definitely see the artistic outlet." Solorzano also noted the traditional vs. modern feel of the gallery.

The next event to open with The Benton includes the Swedish Film Series beginning Dec. 13, celebrating Christmas.

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